Southern 100: Martin Edges Out Dunlop in Photo Finish

Just 24 hours after losing out in the Corlett Trophies 600cc/1000cc Race, Guy Martin got his own back on Michael Dunlop by winning the Total Oils Senior Race by the sixth narrowest margin in the 56 year history of the Southern 100.

After a 50 minute delay due to a diesel spill, the Relentless Suzuki rider wasted no time opening up a first lap lead of 1.1seconds, extending it by half distance. But as he did yesterday, Dunlop closed in and the two rounded the final lap nose-to-tail.

But this time, Martin wouldn't be denied and came home half a bike length ahead of Dunlop's 1000cc Kawasaki, with the winning margin a meagre 0.047s. Ryan Farquhar claimed the final podium position in third while Conor Cummins saw off Dan Kneen and Russ Mountford to take fourth. Cameron Donald should have been involved in the battle for the podium but ran off at Cross Four Ways and failed to finish.

In the evening's other race, the Mann Auto Car Sales 250cc/650cc Race,there were victories for Ryan Farquar (650cc) and William Dunlop (250cc), with Farquhar breaking the lap record in the process lapping at 99.240mph. The Northern Irishman finished over 14 seconds clear of fellow Kawasaki riders Wayne Hamilton and Ian Lougher.

The 250s started one minute ahead of the 650cc machines and Chris Palmer moved into the early lead, but the Mannin Honda rider was forced to retire just before half distance, paving the way for Dunlop to lead Phil Harvey and Jamie Coward home in second and third.

The rest of Wednesday's programme was abandoned due to the state of the road following an incident involving Dave Taylor and Dan Sayle. Sayle escaped unhurt but Taylor was taken to hospital with fractures. A Flag Marshal was also reported to have received leg fractures in the same incident and a spectator was taken to hospital with an eye injury.

Southern 100: Martin Edges Out Dunlop in Photo Finish was last modified: July 19th, 2011